Key Facts

Overview

Comet 94P/Russell 4 is an object whose orbit brings it closer to the sun than Jupiter. NASA JPL has not classified 94P/Russell 4 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

94P/Russell 4 orbits the sun every 2,400 days (6.57 years), coming as close as 2.23 AU and reaching as far as 4.79 AU from the sun.

The rotation of 94P/Russell 4 has been observed. It completes a rotation on its axis every 20.70 hours.

No Close Approaches

94P/Russell 4's orbit is 1.25 AU from Earth's orbit at its closest point. This means that there is an extremely wide berth between this asteroid and Earth at all times.

Orbital simulations conducted by NASA JPL's CNEOS do not show any close approaches to Earth.

Images and Observations

94P/Russell 4's orbit is determined by observations dating back to March 2, 1984. It was last officially observed on July 6, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 2,166 observations used to determine its orbit.

Accessibility and Exploration

This comet is not considered a viable target for human exploration by the NHATS study.

Similar Objects

These objects have orbits that share similar characteristics to the orbit of 94P/Russell 4:

References

Search

   or view a random object

Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2456726.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 3.511 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.3641
  • Inclination: 6.18°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 70.9°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 92.68°
  • Mean Anomaly: 215.78°

Physical Characteristics

  • Magnitude: 13.4

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 2,400 days (6.57 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 15.92 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 4.79 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 2.23 AU
  • Rotation Period: 20.70 hours

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 94P/Russell 4 is indicated by a ◯ pink circle. Note that the object may not be in your current field of view. Use the controls below to adjust position, location, and time.